15 days Big 5, Shoebill and Source of the Nile Wildlife Safari | Toturk Safaris
This 15-day Uganda wildlife Safari invites you on an unforgettable journey through fiftteen incredible tourism spots including five National Parks and the majestic source of the Nile in Jinja district. From the vibrant streets of Entebbe and Kampala to the tranquil shores of Lake Mburo, Kazinga channel and the Nile River, each day promises adventure and discovery. Cherish the memories of a remarkable safari amidst Africa's untamed beauty.
Safari Highlights
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Mabamba Shoebill experience
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Source of the Nile
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Kasubi Tombs
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Buganda Palace and parliament
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Panoramic view of kampala from Gaddafi Mosque
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Rhino trekking
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Top of the Falls
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Cultural experiences
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Boat Safaris
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Gorilla Trekking
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Chimpanzees Trekking
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Boat safaris
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Game drives
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Bush walks
Destinations
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Day 1: Arrival day, Entebbe
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Day 2: Mabamba and Jinja
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Day 3: Source of the Nile Jinja and Kampala city tour
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Day 4-5: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls National Park
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Day 6-7: Kibale Forest National Park
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Day 8-9: Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Day 10-11: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
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Day 12-13: Lake Mburo National Park
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Day 14: Kampala, Gadafi mosque
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Day 15: Uganda museum, crafts village and Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Uganda
ENTEBBE
Karibu—a very warm welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be picked up by a Toturk Safaris guide and transferred to your accommodations in Entebbe. You’ll have a safari briefing and time for last questions regarding your adventure across Uganda. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
INCLUDED: Airport transfer, dinner and accommodation.
Day 2
Mabamba – shoebill experience and Source of the Nile
ENTEBBE-JINJA
After breakfast, embark on the Mabamba Shoebill Experience a renown Ramsar site, for a captivating boat excursion through the scenic Mabamba Swamp. Encounter the iconic Shoebill, alongside a plethora of other rare avian species, amidst the tranquil wetlands. This immersive adventure promises an unforgettable glimpse into the natural beauty of Uganda's birdlife.
In the afternoon, after lunch, head to Jinja district. Along the way look out for tree plantations and the bustling Ugandan communities. You will also pass through the famous Mabira forest, the biggest natural forest in Uganda, and the newly constructed captivating Jinja Nile bridge.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Day 3
Kampala City Tour
JINJA – KAMPALA
After breakfast embark on a captivating boat excursion to the legendary Source of the Nile. Cruise along the river's gentle currents, enjoying panoramic views of the lush riverbanks and abundant birdlife. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the history and significance of this iconic waterway.
After lunch journey back to Kampala and visit 3 of the 7 hills of Kampala ie Mengo hill the seat for Buganda kingdom palace and parliament, Namirembe hill the seat for Namirembe protestant cathedral whose striking architecture blends elements of European and African design, and Rubaga hill the seat for Rubaga Catholic cathedral whose architectural style is characterized by the grand façade of European neo-Romanesque design. All these 3 hills play a very strong significance in Uganda and Buganda kingdom history.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Day 4
Tracking the Southern White Rhino and Top of the falls
KAMPALA– ZIWA - MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Have an early breakfast and embark on the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, we will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos and an ongoing conservation project to track the wild rhinos at close range.
From Ziwa, we will continue our journey to Murchison Falls National Park, and visit the famous spectacular Murchison falls then after head to the lodge, have dinner and rest.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Day 5
Boat Safari on the Nile & Savanna Game Drive
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, enjoy the serenity of the lodge and later prepare to go a for a boat cruise at 11am on the legendary Nile River. The Nile is home to Africa’s most dense hippo and crocodile populations, as well as a dazzling variety of water birds.
In the early evening, go for an evening game drive. Look out for the elephants, buffalos, lions, giraffe, and a variety of antelope, among others.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Day 6
Journey to Kibale National Park
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK – KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Early in the morning carry packed breakfast and, go for a morning game drive and witness nature at its finest, look out for the animals you may have missed in the evening game drive and boat ride. Have breakfast at the hippo pool.
After, head south along the western escarpment overlooking Lake Albert to Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of Uganda’s astounding major rainforests and at least thirteen primate species, including the rare L’hoest monkey and red colobus.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Day 7
Meet the Chimpanzees of Kibale
KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK.
In the morning, set out on your chimpanzee trek in the rainforest. The trek enables you to watch the chimps in their natural habitat. During the trek look out for black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, Red tailed monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, Olive baboons and the blue monkeys among others. After the trek, return to your accommodations for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk through the Bigodi Wetlands. This wildlife corridor is home to over 200 species of birds–including the Blue Turaco, Kingfishers, Hornbills, and more–as well as eight species of primates.
The Bigodi Wetlands conservation project began as a local environmental effort run by the communities of Kibale. Beyond conserving the wetlands and its wildlife, the project has also supported the building of a local school, safe drinking water for locals, and local health care efforts.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Day 8
Mountains of the Moon
KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK & QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
The day begins with a relaxed drive as we leave Kibale and head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. As we journey towards the park, the incredible scenery of the “Mountains of the Moon” unfolds before us. Upon arrival at the park, settle into your accommodations before taking an evening game drive to explore.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees excursions and accommodation.
Day 9
Boat Safari & Game Drive
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
After a sunrise breakfast, embark on a morning game drive and have lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon, explore the Kazinga Channel by boat for an opportunity to see the stunning variety of wildlife at the water, including hippos, elephant, and crocodiles. Birdlife in the park includes the African fin foot, Broad-billed roller, Red-chested sunbird, and Yellow-throated cuckoo, among others.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Day 10
Journey to the Impenetrable Forest
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK - BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the approximately half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. This ancient forest unfolds over the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, providing breathtaking views and extraordinary viewing opportunities.
In the afternoon, visit with the local Batwa tribe, Uganda’s ancient hunter-gatherer tribe. Later, relax at the Lodge or take a sunset stroll through the area.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Day 11
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast we will meet the park rangers who will be our guides for the day, and then we will start the trek in search of the exquisite mountain gorillas of Uganda. Trekking can last between two and eight hours, but once you discover the gorillas, you will be able to spend one unforgettable hour with them. Gorilla trekking begins where the gorillas were last seen the previous day. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the midst of the Impenetrable Forest before returning to your accommodations for dinner and an overnight stay.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Day 12
Terraced Hillsides & Mountain Views
BWINDI NATIONAL PARK & LAKE MBURO
Depart after breakfast for Lake Mburo, arriving in time to relax at the lodge and enjoy an evening game drive in the park.
Lake Mburo National Park is considered the best place in the country to witness the enormous Eland Antelope, zebra, Topi, Impala, and the numerous birds drawn to the Acacia tree.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Day 13
Walking Safari on the Savanna plains and Boat ride
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Explore the park with a morning walking safari in the company of a ranger, followed by a game drive and an afternoon boat safari on the lake.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Day 14
Gadafi Mosque’s Kampala panoramic view
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK & KAMPALA
Explore the wilderness one last time with a morning game drive through the Acacia savanna and woodlands on your way out of the park for Kampala, stopping for lunch en-route. Once in Kampala, visit Gaddafi Mosque and enjoy a panoramic view of Kampala at the top of the minaret. Later rest at the lodge.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Day 15
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, visit the Uganda museum, Bahai Temple and crafts village and after lunch transfer to the airport in time to make your onward connections.
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and airport transfer
Rates and Inclusions
Rates are based on the time of year, number of participants, and inclusions. All Toturk Safaris can be customized by speaking to one of our travel consultants. To inquire about rates for this safari, please shoot us an email.
What's Included
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Transfer between airport & accommodations on day of arrival & departure
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Transport in a private 4WD safari vehicle & fuel for tour
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Professional English-speaking driver/guide
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Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
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Meals as noted in the itinerary
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Drinking water in the safari vehicle
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Park entry fees, activities, and excursions as noted in the itinerary
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VAT where applicable
What's Excluded
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International airfare
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Personal (medical/travel) insurance
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Meals, snacks, and drinks not noted in the itinerary
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Optional activities
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips